​Top Gear was released by Kemco back in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This quality racing game has some of the best music that I have ever heard in a video game. It’s high energy and diverse, just like its game play. You can select from four different cars, whose stats are clear to comprehend in action. Pick the white car and experience faster speeds and acceleration. The drawback is that you will run out of gas quicker. Inversely, slower cars last longer in the fuel department. This was definitely the first game that I ever played that featured this gameplay dynamic (fueling). Later levels serve this fuel gameplay mechanic as a game within itself, as players question whether or not to “gas up” or push it.

​The speed in the game is masterfully represented and, quite surprisingly, never overwhelms. I have played many racing games from the era, struggling to stay on the track while taking tight corners (Pole Position, I’m looking at you). This speaks to the responsive controls, which can be modified to suit your control needs, even taking left handed gamers into consideration by offering a “flipped” controller option. Even when using a boost on the fastest cars, racers can smoothly navigate around opposing cars as they race towards the finish line. Top Gear covers over 30 tracks, each offering its own masterfully delivered soundtrack, background and design. An easy to use password system will help players make it to the end eventually.

​Top Gear is arguably the best racing game of the 16-Bit generation. I always felt that people “slept” on this one. The positive of this is that a cartridge can be picked up for around $10 as of 2019. Give this game a chance and I doubt you’ll be disappointed. At the minimum, you owe to yourself to play some of the songs online.